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MC09
arrrghhh!!!!
Member since 2/09 5674 total posts
Name:
Me speaks pirate!
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Crockpot - why does my food never look like the pic?
I follow the recipe directions and the food always comes out looking boiled. Boiled pork chops and chicken aren't appetizing looking or tasting lol what am I doing wrong?
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Posted 9/19/18 3:07 PM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
M514
Hi
Member since 8/10 6011 total posts
Name:
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Crockpot - why does my food never look like the pic?
Mine never does either! I really only use my crockpot for pulled pork/chicken, ribs, chili or some soups. I’ve never loved anything else I’ve attempted to make in there.
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| Posted 9/19/18 3:52 PM |
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SusiBee
. . . . .
Member since 3/09 8268 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Crockpot - why does my food never look like the pic?
Because crock pots don't brown the food like roasting or frying would.
Even if you do brown the meats before putting in the crock pot, that colored coating gets cooked away.
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| Posted 9/20/18 8:05 AM |
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MrsT809
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 12167 total posts
Name:
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Crockpot - why does my food never look like the pic?
Maybe your crockpot runs extra hot? I would make sure you're not cooking too long. I'm also very selective about what recipes I cook in there.
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| Posted 9/20/18 8:36 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54921 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Crockpot - why does my food never look like the pic?
I feel like everything I make in the crockpot tastes the same.
All one big mush.
I'm kind of over it
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| Posted 9/20/18 8:37 AM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: Crockpot - why does my food never look like the pic?
Generally speaking, most meat in the Crock-Pot ends up looking slightly unappealing because you aren't getting that nice sear from a pan or the even browning from roasting. I find things like chicken and pork usually are the worst in terms of appearances. You can brown your meats beforehand which helps a little but when the food is sitting in liquid for hours while cooking, even with browning first you'll lose a lot of that nice caramelization.
I tend to ONLY use my Crock-Pot for things like stew, soup, sauce, pulled pork, and surprisingly, spiral ham which comes out awesome in there! Everything else, especially meat based meals that are the focal point, I like to use my oven instead.
Message edited 9/20/2018 9:22:30 AM.
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| Posted 9/20/18 9:21 AM |
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stinger
LIF Adult
Member since 11/11 4971 total posts
Name:
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Re: Crockpot - why does my food never look like the pic?
Switch to an Instant Pot!!
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| Posted 9/20/18 9:30 AM |
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NYCGirl80
I love my kiddies!
Member since 5/11 10413 total posts
Name:
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Re: Crockpot - why does my food never look like the pic?
I love my Crockpot, but only for select foods. My favorite is chicken and biscuits, pulled chicken, and a pineapple chicken. I like everything better "shredded" in the Crockpot.
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| Posted 9/20/18 10:29 AM |
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Mushesgirl
Too blessed to be stressed
Member since 4/09 6691 total posts
Name:
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Re: Crockpot - why does my food never look like the pic?
those pics are doctored!!
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| Posted 9/20/18 10:53 AM |
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b2b777
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 4474 total posts
Name:
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Re: Crockpot - why does my food never look like the pic?
Posted by Hofstra26
Generally speaking, most meat in the Crock-Pot ends up looking slightly unappealing because you aren't getting that nice sear from a pan or the even browning from roasting. I find things like chicken and pork usually are the worst in terms of appearances. You can brown your meats beforehand which helps a little but when the food is sitting in liquid for hours while cooking, even with browning first you'll lose a lot of that nice caramelization.
I tend to ONLY use my Crock-Pot for things like stew, soup, sauce, pulled pork, and surprisingly, spiral ham which comes out awesome in there! Everything else, especially meat based meals that are the focal point, I like to use my oven instead.
Tell us more about the spiral ham -- how do you do it in the crock???
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| Posted 9/20/18 1:48 PM |
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Hofstra26
Love to Bake!
Member since 7/06 27915 total posts
Name:
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Re: Crockpot - why does my food never look like the pic?
Posted by b2b777
Posted by Hofstra26
Generally speaking, most meat in the Crock-Pot ends up looking slightly unappealing because you aren't getting that nice sear from a pan or the even browning from roasting. I find things like chicken and pork usually are the worst in terms of appearances. You can brown your meats beforehand which helps a little but when the food is sitting in liquid for hours while cooking, even with browning first you'll lose a lot of that nice caramelization.
I tend to ONLY use my Crock-Pot for things like stew, soup, sauce, pulled pork, and surprisingly, spiral ham which comes out awesome in there! Everything else, especially meat based meals that are the focal point, I like to use my oven instead.
Tell us more about the spiral ham -- how do you do it in the crock???
LOL 
I love spiral ham but I feel that in the oven it always turns out a little "blubbery" and the inside slices lack flavor and caramelization. So I use the Crock-Pot instead, it comes out SO much better IMO. The slices are a little drier (which I like) and full of flavor.
Make sure the spiral ham fits well in your Crock-Pot and that the lid seals well. I have an oval Crock-Pot which is great for odd shaped things like a spiral ham. Jut place the ham inside, slather the slices and exposed areas with at least half of the glaze, cover and cook on low until the ham is nicely browned and the slices have a little color to them. About 8 hours. Add the rest of the glaze in the last hour of cooking.
If your lid doesn't lay flat, use a small bungee cord and run it from handle to handle. It will help to keep the lid tightly in place.
When it's done, remove the ham from the pot and arrange the individual slices on a platter. The BEST! It's the only way I make spiral ham anymore. At the holidays, it frees up my whole oven for other things!
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| Posted 9/20/18 3:22 PM |
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